Strong grandparent relationships are among the most underrated positive influences on children. They provide unconditional love different from parental love, link children to family history, and create emotional safety net beyond the parental nuclear family. Distance and busy lives erode these relationships by default; deliberate effort maintains them.
What 'often' realistically looks like
Weekly contact (visit, phone call, or video call) where possible. Monthly visits if distance permits. Holidays involving grandparents 2-3 times yearly. Photos and stories shared regularly even when not physically together.
Why this pays off
Children with strong grandparent relationships show better mental health outcomes in studies. Family identity and belonging strengthens. Provides another trusted adult for the inevitable parent-child friction in adolescence. Grandparents benefit too — substantial longevity boost from active grandparent relationships.
Make it a priority before you lose the time. Grandparents' health changes; the window for active relationships is finite. Most families regret not prioritising this earlier.